Education
- University of Mississippi, J.D., cum laude
- Columbia University, Master of Science, Journalism
- Texas Southern University, B.A., Journalism, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Texas
Before becoming an attorney, Malissa worked as a journalist and public relations practitioner in crisis communications. Though she is not a working journalist covering stories anymore, as an attorney, Malissa offers clients her ability to lay out and present the story-line of their cases clearly and efficiently to a judge or juror as demonstrated by her successful trials in state and federal court and oral arguments before the state supreme court. With her experience in crisis communications, she offers a calm and honest confidence that clients will find indispensable in the midst of tough litigation. A firm believer of the golden rule, Malissa handles every case how she would want an attorney to handle a case for her, always going the extra mile and never backing down from a challenge.
Malissa brings to the firm nearly 20 years of litigation and trial experience. Additionally, Malissa is a Mississippi Bar Certified Mediator. Before joining FormanWatkins, Malissa was employed as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Mississippi Attorney General in the Civil Division and as a Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston (Texas) in the Labor, Employment and Civil Rights Division. She has served as in-house counsel for a national insurance company overseeing cases in Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi and for the state's largest public employer, The University of Mississippi Medical Center. In addition to handling employment matters, she has also worked in areas of Workers Compensation, Insurance Defense, Toxic Tort, Civil Rights and Media Law. Malissa's diverse background and vast array of knowledge make her a key asset to the creative, efficient work ethic of FormanWatkins. Ultimately, clients can expect a thorough job well done when working with Malissa, and will not find a kinder advocate.
Professional Recognition
Important Litigation Involvement
- Earnestine Jackson, et al. v. Razor USA, LLC, product liability, defense verdict, 2019
- Calvin Martin v. Wesley Biblical Seminary, personal injury, defense verdict, 2018
- Khansari v. William Rutherford, et al., Section 1983, excessive force, defense verdict, 2016. Click here for news article.
- Re: Houston (TX) Police Officer B. Guzman, five-day suspension, arbitration proceeding, suspension affirmed, 2015
- Re: Houston (TX) Firefighter G. Saldana, eight-day suspension, arbitration proceeding, suspension affirmed, 2015
- Murphy v. Secretary of State, post-Katrina Tidelands dispute, plaintiff’s verdict, 2014
- McField v. Dept. of Public Safety, Title VII, race-based termination, defense verdict, 2014. Click here for news article.
- Patrick Higgins v. State of MS, wrongful conviction, defense verdict, 2013
- Vikki May v. MS Dep’t of Corrections, Title VII, race-based failure to hire, defense verdict, affirmed on appeal at 531 Fed. Appx. 464 (5th Cir. 2013) (tried twice)
- Hymes v. State of MS, wrongful conviction, defense verdict, 2012
- Anderson v. State of MS, wrongful conviction, 2011
- Gaithright v. Robbie D. Wood Inc., motor vehicle accident, defense verdict, 2010
- Smith v. Cato, malicious prosecution, defense verdict, 2009
- Woullard v. State of MS, racial gerrymandering, (3-federal judge panel), defense verdict, 2006
- Phillips v. Dillards, premises liability, defense verdict, 2004
Reported Decisions
- Wilbert Pete v. City of Houston, March 31, 2017; U.S.D.C., Southern District of Texas; Houston Division; 4:14cv2600, affirmed on appeal at – Fed. Appx. – (5th Cir. 2018).
- In re GuideOne Mutual Insurance Company, May 3, 2017; Court of Appeals of Texas, Tenth District, Waco; No. 10-16-00404-CV. Insurance Contract – Invocation of Appraisal Clause – Mandamus proceedings where appellate court vacated order denying insurance company’s motion to compel appraisal and directed trial court to order the appraisal. Attorney for GuideOne Insurance Company.
- Uyless L. Jones v. City of Houston, et al, March 10, 2017; U.S.D.C., Southern District of Texas; Houston Division; H-15-3051. Labor and Employment – Hostile Work Environment, Race Discrimination, Retaliation – Court dismissed the plaintiff’s Title VII claim on the ground that he filed his lawsuit untimely. Court rejected the plaintiff’s attempt to invoke the doctrine of equitable tolling. Attorney for City and City Employees.
- Wilbert Pete v. City of Houston, March 31, 2017; U.S.D.C., Southern District of Texas; Houston Division; 4:14cv2600. Retaliation, Race Discrimination – Court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment finding no direct evidence of discrimination and no “but-for” causation between the alleged complaint of discrimination and the plaintiff’s termination. Attorney for the City of Houston.
- Seluk v. City of Houston, July 18, 2016; Fifth Circuit; No. 16-20002. Civil Rights. Appellant court affirmed district court’s judgment dismissing the plaintiff’s complaint finding no due process violation. Attorney for the Appellee.
- MS Dept. of Public Safety v. Raybon, Apr 29, 2014; Court of Appeals of MS; 2012-SA-02046-COA. Labor and Employment – Evidence supported decision of Board denying full-time certification to two part-time officers. Attorney for Appellant.
- Tipton v. State, Mar 20, 2014; Supreme Court of MS; 2013-CA-415. Compensation for Wrongful Conviction. Intensive Supervision Program, commonly known as house arrest, could not be construed as being the equivalent of “incarceration” within the meaning of compensation statutes. Attorney for Appellee.
- Hymes v. State, May 21, 2013; Court of Appeals MS; 2011-CA-01688. Compensation for Wrongful Conviction. Collateral estoppel did not apply in claimant’s wrongful conviction action against State. Attorney for Appellee.
- Calvin v. MS Dept. of Rehabilitation Services, Jan 30, 2013; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss.; 3:12cv258. Labor and Employment – Public Employment. Failure to promote. Plaintiff failed to create an issue of fact as to whether defendant’s legitimate, non-discriminatory reason was pretextual. Attorney for MDRS.
- Kirkland v. Hinds Cnty Dept. of Human Services, Dec 17, 2012; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss.; 3:12cv512; Labor and Employment – Public Employment. Plaintiff untimely filed of EEOC charge. Attorney for MDHS.
- Moffett v. Miss. Dept. of Mental Health, Jun 28, 2012; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss.; 3:11cv262. Labor and Employment – Public Employment. Wrongful discharge; Retaliatory demotion; Whistleblower claim. Plaintiff failed to create an issue of fact as to whether defendant’s legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons were pretextual as to demotion and discharge claims. Plaintiff failed to establish that she was subjected to reprisal or retaliatory action as a “direct result” of her whistleblowing. Affirmed by Fifth Circuit. Attorney for MDMH.
- Cox v. Miss. Div. of Medicaid, May 11, 2012; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss.; 3:11cv331. Labor and Employment – Public Employment. Failure to promote. Plaintiff failed to create an issue of fact as to whether defendant’s legitimate, non-discriminatory reason was pretextual. Attorney for MDOM.
- Lafayette Cnty Bd. of Sup’rs v. Third Circuit Drug Court, Feb 23, 2012; Supreme Court of MS; 2010-CA-01745. Government. Judicial review of circuit court order was not appropriate once all issues raised by county board of supervisors were rendered moot. Presented oral arguments before the Supreme Court of Mississippi. Attorney for Appellee.
- Richardson v. American Bldg. Components, Apr 22, 2011; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss; 3:10cv229. Torts – Premise Liability. Plaintiff failed to prove that ABC was under a duty to warn of a perceived danger. Attorney for ABC.
- Ellis v. Gresham Service Stations, Inc., Feb 1, 2011; Court of Appeals of MS; 2009-CA-01750. Torts – Premise Liability. Twelve reported criminal acts that occurred on premises of convenience store over a ten-year period did not constitute actual or constructive notice that an atmosphere of violence existed on its property. Attorney for Appellee.
- Thomas v. NBC Universal, Inc., Feb 5, 2010; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss; 3:08cv479. Litigation – Removal. Amount in controversy exceeded $75K required for diversity jurisdiction. Attorney for NBCU.
- Hegwood v. Community First Holdings, Inc., Mar 12, 2008; U.S.D.C.; S.D. Miss.; 1:06cv1105. Torts – Defamation. Statement in a newspaper article was substantially true, and thus privileged. Attorney for Community First Holdings, Inc.
News & Knowledge
- January 22, 2025
FormanWatkins Attorney Leads Engaging Presentation on AI in the Workplace
Read More - August 15, 2024
41 FormanWatkins Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers in America
Read More - July 23, 2024
Wilson Appointed to Chair The Mississippi Bar’s Public Information Committee
Read More - May 29, 2024
FormanWatkins Hosts Fourth Annual Diversity Pathway Program
Read More - April 11, 2024
Malissa Wilson Honored as a Fellow by The Mississippi Bar Foundation
Read More - December 14, 2023
Wilson and Kapoor Recognized at MVLP Pro Bono Awards Ceremony
Read More - September 12, 2023
Wilson and Robinson Achieve Dismissal of Race Discrimination Lawsuit Against State’s Largest Public Employer
Read More - August 21, 2023
45 FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers® Award Recipients
Read More - February 14, 2023
Malissa Wilson Named Recipient of The Mississippi Bar’s Distinguished Service Award
Read More - January 10, 2023
FWK Partner Malissa Wilson Joins International Association of Defense Counsel
Read More - October 6, 2022
FormanWatkins Attorneys Featured at National Asbestos Litigation Conference
Read More - August 18, 2022
FormanWatkins Attorneys Included in 2023 Best Lawyers® List
Read More - May 31, 2022
FormanWatkins Partners Participate in the Mississippi Bar’s Diversity Best Practices Workshop
Read More - May 17, 2022
Wilson and Ritchie Speak at Mississippi Employment Law 2022 Seminar
Read More - November 10, 2021
Employment Law Update: With COVID-19 Numbers Down, Vaccinations Up, Employer’s Things-To-Do List
Read More - October 1, 2021
Malissa Wilson Re-Joins Forman Watkins & Krutz as Partner
Read More - October 15, 2020
Summary Judgment Won in Arkansas Federal Court
Read More - August 20, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Read More - April 6, 2020
COVID-19: Applying the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Read More - April 2, 2020
Mississippi Issues Shelter-in-Place Order: What You Need To Know
Read More - March 20, 2020
Employment Law Update – COVID-19 and the Workplace: An Employer’s Quick Guide
Read More - February 14, 2020
FormanWatkins Attorneys Represent Firm at NBA Corporate Counsel Conference
Read More - October 8, 2019
Employment Law Update: Arbitration Clauses in Employment Agreements – October 2019
Read More - September 11, 2019
Wilson Appointed to MS Bar Diversity Committee
Read More - August 6, 2019
Wilson and Ritchie Speak at Mini Law School for Human Resource Professionals
Read More - July 25, 2019
Wilson Selected as One of Mississippi’s 50 Leading Businesswomen for 2019
Read More - June 6, 2019
Employment Law Update: Failure to File Charge of Discrimination Is Not The Death Knell For A Discrimination Lawsuit
Read More - June 5, 2019
Join FormanWatkins at the Mini Law School for HR Professionals Seminar
Read More - April 8, 2019
Wilson and Ritchie Speak at Human Resource Law from A to Z Seminar
Read More - April 5, 2019
Wilson and Hunt Win Summary Judgment in Insurance Coverage Dispute Case
Read More - April 3, 2019
Malissa Wilson Serves as Mentor During Bessie Young Council Mentoring Conference
Read More - April 2, 2019
Wilson and White Obtain Favorable Ruling in Smith County Circuit Court
Read More - March 12, 2019
Employment Law Update: Spring Has Sprung Proposed Overtime Rule and Confusion Over Wellness Incentives
Read More - February 4, 2019
Jury Finds Scooter Not Plugged Up, Did Not Blow Up
Read More - December 20, 2018
Join FormanWatkins at the Human Resource Law from A to Z Seminar
Read More - December 7, 2018
No Pay Day For The Plaintiff Who Drove the Wrong Way
Read More - August 31, 2018
FormanWatkins Promotes Experience of Labor & Employment Practice Group in Recognition of Labor Day
Read More - August 1, 2018
Employment Law Update: Summertime and Taking Leave Is Easy – August 2018
Read More - May 8, 2018
Malissa Wilson Participates in Magnolia Bar Association’s Expungement Clinic
Read More - April 25, 2018
Employment Law Update: National DNA Day – April, 25 2018
Read More - April 3, 2018
Malissa Wilson Serves as Panelist for Bessie Young Council Mentoring Conference
Read More - February 6, 2018
Malissa Wilson Honored by Mississippi Business Journal as a Leader in Law
Read More - January 24, 2018
Employment Law Update: Workplace Sexual Harassment – January 2018
Read More - September 25, 2017
Lay-Offs Down, EEOC Charges Up
Read More
Professional Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Jackson, Miss., in Labor and Employment litigation
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023: Litigation – Labor and Employment
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2021: Litigation – Labor and Employment, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
- Selected as one of Mississippi’s 50 Leading Businesswomen by the Mississippi Business Journal (2019)
- Martindale-Hubbell® Silver Client Champion Rating
- Martindale-Hubbell NotableSM Peer Review Rating
- Selected as one of Mississippi’s Top Ten Leaders in Law by the Mississippi Business Journal (2017)
- Leadership Jackson, class of 2005
Organization/Committee Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Standing Committee on Strategic Communications
- Mississippi Bar
- Diversity in the Law Committee, Chair
- Media and the Law Subcommittee
- Magnolia Bar Association
- Bessie Young Council – University of Mississippi School of Law
- The Trial Network
Speaking Engagements
- “Diversity Efforts in the Workplace: What’s Working and What’s Not,” Panel Moderator, The Network of Trial Law Firms, Corporate Litigation Conference, Palos Verdes, California
- “Workplace Behavioral Issues: Handling Thorny Situations,” Speaker, The Network of Trial Law Firms, Litigation CLE SuperCourse, Dove Mountain, Arizona
- “Work-Life Integration in COVID Recovery Era,” Panelist, Perrin Asbestos Conference – Women’s Symposium, Charleston, South Carolina
- “Settlement Negotiation Ethics: Do’s Don’ts and Surprises,” Perrin Conferences’ CLE (webinar)
- Mini Law School for HR Professionals – A Comprehensive Primer on Labor & Employment Law, Speaker, Jackson, Mississippi
- “Corporate Responses in the #METOO Era,” Panel Moderator, The Network of Trial Law Firms, Litigation Management Conference, New York City, New York
- “Legal Issues in Advertising,” Mississippi Press Association’s Convention
- “How to Handle Complaints of Discrimination,” presented to State Attorneys and Human Resources Personnel
- “Constitutional Policing,” Houston Police Department training academy
Publications
- “Special Delivery: What To Do When Information Illegally Obtained By Others Lands In Your Newsroom Mailbox,” Student Press Law Center Report, Fall 2001
- “Mississippi Statute of Limitations Starts With Publication On Internet,” Media Law Resource Center Media Law Letter, January 2004
- “FOIA Gains Sharper Teeth With OPEN Act,” The Fourth Estate, Mississippi Press Association, First Quarter 2008
Pro Bono & Community Service
- Pro-Bono Attorney, Mission First Legal Clinic and MVLP
- Volunteer, Big Brothers & Big Sisters in-school mentor program (Lester Elementary School)
- Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
Previous Experience
- Associate General Counsel, University of Mississippi Medical Center
- In-House Counsel for a national insurance company, Houston, Texas
- Senior Assistant City Attorney, Houston, Texas
- Special Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, Jackson, Mississippi